Problem Posing: A Possible Pathway to Mathematical Modelling

Abstract

Problem posing is an important component of learning mathematics as is problem solving, and it is an essential part of mathematical modelling. This chapter reports two small studies conducted in a Year 1–2 class and a Year 3–4 class, respectively. The purpose of each study was to examine the extent to which the use of real world artefacts provide a stimulus for young students to pose problems that can be investigated using mathematical modelling. The students in both studies had no prior experience in problem posing. However, they generated a range of problems linked to the real world albeit some in a superficial sense, whereas others gave genuine rise to mathematical modelling.